“For they have healed
the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when
there is no peace.” (Jer.6:14)
Papier-mâché (pronounced, “paper
ma-SHAY”) is not seen much anymore. Or at least I don’t see it. It’s made of
either paper pulp or sheets of paper glued together in such a way that makes it
look crinkly. It usually comes in rolls that are draped for decoration. (Perhaps
that’s why I never see it; I don’t do much decorating anymore.) J Obviously, it was
never meant to last. The word has come to also describe “something easily
destroyed or discredited; false or illusory.” The prophet Jeremiah spoke in his
book of people who offered this kind of peace—easily discredited and completely
unreal—and of those who were eventually disillusioned by it.
In the first place, as wonderful as
peace is, I think we sometimes overrate its importance. I tend to agree with
Matthew Henry (1662-1714) who wrote, “Peace is such a precious jewel that I
would give anything for it but truth.” The doctor who assures me I’m healthy
when I actually have a cancer growing inside me may give me peace of mind, but
it comes at a dear price. And probably the most ferocious, oppressive religion,
down through history to the present day, is referred to by many (especially the
media) as a “religion of peace.” As I say, “peace” is a very ambiguous word,
nothing to hang your life or your soul on.
The God of the Bible offers true peace in one way alone: through a
Person. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace through our Lord
Jesus Christ” (Rom.5:1). Any other brand, whether you get it from a pill, a
bottle, a book, or a religious huckster, is just the papier-mâché kind. It may
do for a while to decorate your life, but it will never last. I’m thankful my
own peace is secure, steady, and everlasting. It’s secured by a three-fold
cord:
God the Father: the “God of peace” Heb.
13:20
God the Son: the “Prince of Peace”
(Isa. 9:6)
God the Holy Spirit: the “Spirit…of
peace” (Gal. 5:22)
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